A Balfa Thread - figured I'd start one

I know there are some Balfa riders waiting in the wings to post in this new forum right? So I figured I'd start a thread where we can post about our rigs and throw up some photos and stuff.

Here's a few Balfa Shots to get it going:

I've spent one full season on my Belair and I'm very very happy with it - it can do a little bit of everything really. A truly fun bike!

Soon the Psylo will be gone and a new Manitou Minute will take it's place! May also work on adding a Risse external reservoir to give the Fox Float RL a little more air volume - I rode one set up like this when I was deciding on this full suspension bikes and liked it a lot - and it's only about a $75 project.

These are two shots of me on my Belair from the summer of 2003. The first is from Nepaug State Forest in New Hartford CT and the second one is from Case Mountain in Manchester, CT - two great places to ride in the Greater Hartford Area.

The third one is me landing a sweet jump at Nepaug - part of a downhill section that includes two really nice jumps - one you have to get speed and get distance but you can't get much height so it's tricky, and the second one is just a sweet jump attached to a stump that launches you perfectly into a nice landing area below.

Nice pics ! It's cool to see the bike in action too (but who's this guy on it ? ;-) Just a question : what's the weight of your Belair (as is) ?

I'd say my Belair is in the 27-28 pound range, but that's how I want it. The beauty in the frame in my opinion is that it can easily serve as a lightish xc rig or as a rock solid trail bike as I have it set up.

Minuteman...

Mark-
I am in the Seattle Area. My minuteman is my only bike and I use it for everything from riding on the Shore, DJ, urban, trailriding, Whistler, etc... It does everything well. Whistler is a little painful after about 10 runs, but it is still good times. It is such a solid ride. As for the color.... I love it. It is a lot more green than I expected, but I like it more than I expected also. Here is a little urban action at UW.

Mark-
I am in the Seattle Area. My minuteman is my only bike and I use it for everything from riding on the Shore, DJ, urban, trailriding, Whistler, etc... It does everything well. Whistler is a little painful after about 10 runs, but it is still good times. It is such a solid ride. As for the color.... I love it. It is a lot more green than I expected, but I like it more than I expected also. Here is a little urban action at UW.

2 Step review HD

Hello former Balfa 2step HD/DH owners. I would like a serious review on the Balfa 2 step DH or HD. I have found most reviews are leaning more over a bias standpoint.
As a matter of fact, I can't find any review that talks badly about the frame. This is good... I know, but I also am aware these same reviewers have there frames up For sale. Why sell, when it says that you love the bike in the review.
Could anybody enlighten me with potential flaws with this bike. I am considering buying one. I would like a truly honest oppinion, with all the faults.

Hello former Balfa 2step HD/DH owners. I would like a serious review on the Balfa 2 step DH or HD. I have found most reviews are leaning more over a bias standpoint.
As a matter of fact, I can't find any review that talks badly about the frame. This is good... I know, but I also am aware these same reviewers have there frames up For sale. Why sell, when it says that you love the bike in the review.
Could anybody enlighten me with potential flaws with this bike. I am considering buying one. I would like a truly honest oppinion, with all the faults.

thanks, Alain

Alain - if the bike you are considering is a 2003 - then I'd be leery of a really low bottom bracket for a bike designed to do what the 2Step DH is designed to do.

However if it is a 2004 2Step HD - then I would give it serious consideration if the price is right.

You see 2003 was the first year for the 2Step DH and many significant improvements were made in 2004 (higher bottom bracket height, improved chainline, ability to run more types of shocks etc. etc.)

If you decide to get the bike and it is a 2003 - then I highly recommend getting 170mm crank arms to help with the low bottom bracket height - otherwise you'll probably be nailing your pedals a lot on rocks and whatnot.

thanks,Blafa 2step oppinions.

Thanks for the honest opinions. That is a nice rig Mike E. When I see a 2step HD frame I am going to buy. Even if it's brown. The brown looks good anyway.

MMcG, I was looking at the new IronHorses and they have the exact linkage and rear axle path as the 2Step DH. This guy called Dave Weagle is taking credit for the design at Iron horse http://www.dw-link.com/. I wonder if this guy is for real or a product of Iron horse's marketing division. Putting all MTB industry conspiracies aside it appears to be a great design.

All this claiming of intellectual property is getting me dizzy.
The world of mountain biking, they have really got the consumer by the hook.

Thanks for the honest opinions. That is a nice rig Mike E. When I see a 2step HD frame I am going to buy. Even if it's brown. The brown looks good anyway.

MMcG, I was looking at the new IronHorses and they have the exact linkage and rear axle path as the 2Step DH. This guy called Dave Weagle is taking credit for the design at Iron horse http://www.dw-link.com/. I wonder if this guy is for real or a product of Iron horse's marketing division. Putting all MTB industry conspiracies aside it appears to be a great design.

All this claiming of intellectual property is getting me dizzy.
The world of mountain biking, they have really got the consumer by the hook.

I now own an Iron Horse Hollowpoint and I'm excited to give it a go this season (and hopefully for years to come). A friend who owns one called it's ride like an FSR bike on crack - and he meant that in a highly positive way.

I suspect that the 2Step design and the DW design differ slightly if not quite a bit - regardless I owned a 2STep DH demo bike and I loved it - but the 2003 first year run had that issue with too low of a bottom bracket.

Find a 2004 if you can - I suspect there are still some left in the inventory of Procycle as well and if you'd like I could check with them for you. I still remain in contact as I used to work as a part time sales rep for Balfa - now I help riders get spare parts etc. etc.

Or.......if you want a 2STep FR - I think Mike E. there just might be willing to sell his to you.

Procycle contact.

Hey MMcG.

I already sent them an e-mail to info@procycle.com. Asking if they had any Balfa 2Step DH 2004's in stock, they have not replied yet. That is great that you have links to Procycle. I knew I asked the right person about the bike. I wouldn't want to trouble you but if I can't get a hold of someone their on my own. It could be allot more efficient if you lead me to talk to the right person. Someone with the right authorisation would speed my search so much more. Or at least put to rest these ideals I have for my dream bike.

I already sent them an e-mail to info@procycle.com. Asking if they had any Balfa 2Step DH 2004's in stock, they have not replied yet. That is great that you have links to Procycle. I knew I asked the right person about the bike. I wouldn't want to trouble you but if I can't get a hold of someone their on my own. It could be allot more efficient if you lead me to talk to the right person. Someone with the right authorisation would speed my search so much more. Or at least put to rest these ideals I have for my dream bike.

Thanks.

I'll see what I can find out for you.

Both sizes (regular and long) and both colors (gunmetal grey, Gloss Black) are available with shock options of a 5th Element or Fox Vanilla RC .

Just wanted to let all you Balfa owners know that Procycle has sold the brand to a British company. They promise to revitalize the brand, unlike Procycle who killed it. They have some frames/bikes left for those of you that are interested. Mighty pricey though.http://www.balfa.co.uk/

anyone still read this thread???

hi,

i have a line on one of the last brand new bel-airs left in canada, i was hoping craigH or another bel-air owner could chime in on how the bike rides for epic xc/aggressive trail riding. i already have a balfa 2step and wouldn't trade it for the world, but it's set up at 45 lbs...

got the belair, sweet bike. 29# with a psylo (hate the fork will be changed soon), it's been out on a couple easy rides. the geometry is identical to that of my 2step. so is the insanely irritating chainline...

got the belair, sweet bike. 29# with a psylo (hate the fork will be changed soon), it's been out on a couple easy rides. the geometry is identical to that of my 2step. so is the insanely irritating chainline...

Yup.
Happy to see someone is still interested. I must say Balfa owners should have their own ownerâ€™s group forum. I would start own myself if only I new how to use PHBB or something like that.
I don't know anything about the belair. I think it has good geo if I can remember correctly. Like a toned down Freeride bike. What is up with the chain line ferday.

Balfa owners could verywell use a comunity. The brand has a transending quality that people still speak of. In my opinion it could turn into a cult like following (in every good sence of the term)

nice to see that there is still interest in the greatest of canadian bikes! i can't wait till appalache creates some more FR/XC type frames, i'll be first on the list...

ps. ionit....the chainline is very difficult to get straight on teh balfas due to weird clearances on the rear end. once it's set it's all good though. nice rides guys, i want the olive green minuteman near the top of the post...

nice to see that there is still interest in the greatest of canadian bikes! i can't wait till appalache creates some more FR/XC type frames, i'll be first on the list...

I glad to know i'm not the only crazy for them...

this little Balfa's Rule..

ps. ionit....the chainline is very difficult to get straight on teh balfas due to weird clearances on the rear end. once it's set it's all good though. nice rides guys, i want the olive green minuteman near the top of the post...

You know i run old school square Taper XTR on Blue one with a 113 philwood (adjustable) bottom bracket with out any trouble,,actually i bevel the edges of the crank (back side of the pedals a little, since they were very close to the chainstays (my fault since I run a really thick chainstay protector )on the FR and the chain line is pretty much optimal, the only "problem" so far is the 46T chainring riders a little to close to the chainstay (about 3MM) and 2-3 times i got chain suck that way,,, the HD 2-Step configuration is very dferent but i still think you can run a similar set up (I run two rings and a E-13 guide)

first TWO squematic (borrow from the english company that sells them now)
the FR geometry

This is the HD, notice how the lower linkage runs above the Bottom bracket on this model and under the BB on the FR you have

side by side "posser" Foto, sorry for the messy workshop.
I trade shock in between the two bikes yesterday.

Now the Avalanche is on the Grey one and the Foz vanilla is on the Blue one.

oh are you running the cables on this bike (i never see on of them in person),,,,zipties...!?!?
do they come with typical "bolt on guides" or not...?
I quess will be impossible for the back one, since the shock resides inside the frame

Nice Balfa's. I just bought a brand new 2003 2step dh frame. It's never been built, found it at a local shop. Can't wait to build it up and ride it this season.

I've seen a few people running e.thirteen chain guides on thiers. I thought it wasn't compatible to run one on a 2step, according to the ethirteen website it's not do-able. Do you have an e.thirteen on your Balfa 2step? Which guide model are you running? Did it go on easy, or take some modification and struggle? I already have an e.thirteen srs but thought I couldn't use it on this bike, and was going to buy an MRP.

Also, any set-up tips for my 2step? I'm going to start building next week.

Nice Balfa's. I just bought a brand new 2003 2step dh frame. It's never been built, found it at a local shop. Can't wait to build it up and ride it this season.

Good for you i warranty you "love at first ride" and " Tuxocs smile sindrom since you can not stop grinning after you get on it..

I've seen a few people running e.thirteen chain guides on thiers. I thought it wasn't compatible to run one on a 2step, according to the ethirteen website it's not do-able. Do you have an e.thirteen on your Balfa 2step? Which guide model are you running? Did it go on easy, or take some modification and struggle? I already have an e.thirteen srs but thought I couldn't use it on this bike, and was going to buy an MRP.

well Evil never meet ricky and his dremmel, actually the E-13 was really simple to install (on my 2003 at least) with verry little grindings, for a few days i run a guide for a Single but currentlly i run the daul ring with a heavilly modified comvensional front derreiluers since the chainstay was hitting cage when the suspension got compress.

I will try to istall it, specially if you have one already, since the other brands are just not even close to the quality of the E-13 stuff

Also, any set-up tips for my 2step? I'm going to start building next week.

well many can tell you about the suspension better than I can but i will suggest.
*take the linkages apart and use a little x-acto knife or something sharp to take the bearing seals and then add grease since i notice they come kind of drie from the factory, so far locktyde is not necesary but is always a good thing to apply just in case.

*the chainstays flex a little so be sure to leave at least 3mm clearance for the a cranks (will hit next to the pedals) Plus is nice to have some wraping on it like "mister tuffy"

*i like to run my cables from the left levers to the right and viseversa and route them inside the frame gussets and then crossing the wires underneat the downtube, is a little thick but works extremlly well.
for example i run the rear shifter and the rear brake right on top of the linkages with very little grow, works exelent, no shifting ghost and very clean and scracth free.

i love the cable routing on the balfas, it makes a nice swoop with the cables that follows the frame perfectly. in fact, i love everything about all the balfas! only the minuteman is different as it has conventional routing (and a conventional TT for that matter...)

it's too bad there isn't many out there, i would love to see more pics and stuff, they inspire the same way turner does for the "homers". i guess we'll wait and see if appalache makes a version of the 2step...

cool rigs guys, i found this barely used '03 2step DH for dirt cheap and decided to give it a few updates. This fork matches the bike incredibly well future updates include Avid juicy's and possibly a SS conversion. peace

Nice 2 StepDH cdnryder. I have the same one, similar set up. Some say the bottom bracket has a low height, which it does, I haven't had to much problems with hitting it. If you feel you need to try getting just slighty shorter crank arms. I'm run 170's just abit shorter, dont notice a difference. Only have ever hit it once or twice.

Hey MMcG i know a shop in toronto that has a 2step FR frame, same place I got my 2stepDH. Also I think you can still buy them from the UK balfa site.

I've always wanted a Cane Creek wheelset...really wanted the Duros, but they stopped making them. So those are the Terros. I'm a little afraid that they might be a bit light with only a 24 mm width and 28 spokes, but I'm hoping I'm underestimating them.

Did buy through Balfa UK - they are great guys. Recommended. It was a large demo bike. Frame and a few bits cost £575. I'm quite happy with that!

Air shock passes the driveway test, we'll see how it handles high speed trail chatter. I've traditionally been a coil man, but this could convert me...until it blows up...

New Balfa Owner!!

Well welcome me back to the Balfa owners family!!!
Just bought a great condition 2 Step up her in Canada. Very good condition, front triangle great condition - bright red/gloss sparkly red.... I described it to my girlfriend on the way home as "bright sparkle hooker lipstick red".
Just saw it - went to look at it, and couldn't turn down with such a great price!
I will attach some pics later.

Questions - what rear shock dimensions would I need - the one included was a misfitting RC - seems too big - so I will get something else. Any recommmendations?? I like coil - although I have never had any of the new air shocks - but bad luck with the older ones (2000-2002) styles.
I am heavier - 200 to 210 - depending on gear, etc....

Also - the rear end on this frame is in good condition, straight dropout and clean disc mount, etc. however it is a slightly different red - just a regular red - not the sparkly bright gloss of the front. I am assuming it was changed or swapped at some time, but it is true and clean so thats ok.... Any info on this, are the rear ends different slightly in the red??
What about bearings - if someone knows all this stuff - maybe they can answer all my questions!! Any info on what kind,where to get them? They seem good now - but I plan on using this for a while!!

Well welcome me back to the Balfa owners family!!!
Just bought a great condition 2 Step up her in Canada. Very good condition, front triangle great condition - bright red/gloss sparkly red.... I described it to my girlfriend on the way home as "bright sparkle hooker lipstick red".
Just saw it - went to look at it, and couldn't turn down with such a great price!
I will attach some pics later.

Questions - what rear shock dimensions would I need - the one included was a misfitting RC - seems too big - so I will get something else. Any recommmendations?? I like coil - although I have never had any of the new air shocks - but bad luck with the older ones (2000-2002) styles.
I am heavier - 200 to 210 - depending on gear, etc....

Also - the rear end on this frame is in good condition, straight dropout and clean disc mount, etc. however it is a slightly different red - just a regular red - not the sparkly bright gloss of the front. I am assuming it was changed or swapped at some time, but it is true and clean so thats ok.... Any info on this, are the rear ends different slightly in the red??
What about bearings - if someone knows all this stuff - maybe they can answer all my questions!! Any info on what kind,where to get them? They seem good now - but I plan on using this for a while!!

Thanks in advance - I will post some pics later.

YOu probably have an upgraded front triangle as there were some issues with Balfa providing new dual crown compatible front triangles for certain model year 2Steps

The shock size is 7.875 x 2.0 I think - or it might be 7.875x 2.25 - I'll try and double check for you.

You might be able to see that information on the balfa uk site - not sure though - or by doing a google search on teh 2step.

Keep an eye on ebay as from time to time bearing kits for Balfa frames show up.

you'll need a 7.875" i2i shock. you can use either a 2.0 stroke, or a 2.25 stroke, either works fine. i run an older (2003) fox RC coil 2.25 stroke, feels really good on this bike. i highly recommend a coil spring shock for this ride. careful with your rear spring rate, bottoming out the rear too often can cause bad things to happen.

the bearings required are 6001-2RS (ask any bearing shop, or go to www.enduroforkseals.com), you need eight of them. make sure you get the 2RS version, they are sealed.

Stock shock size is 7.875x2.0 and for most the stock shock was a Fox Vanilla RC.

It wasn't until the 2004 2Steps that Balfa tried out the Swinger Airs on them - I think they were opting for a more Trail Bike oriented 2STep in that final year vs. the older style 2STeps which were more freeride oriented.

2Step

Thanks guys!

The reason I thought the RC was too big was it seemed to be in contact with the sloping toptube at extension. There is actually a mark or slightest ding/dent where the top of the shock touches the toptube. I did a rough measure and I got 7 7/8 inches. Any ideas on that? Does the top of the shock normally touch the bottom of the toptube?

I think I attached some pics - never done this - so if it doesn't work I will try again.

That definitely looks like a 2003 Front triangle paired to a 2002 rear triangle. The shock may hit the frame ever so slightly. This happened from time to time with Balfa frames. The 2Step DH first year frame that I carried as a Demo bike had an issue of the shock ever so slightly hitting the frame, but it just barely touched.

2Step

Sure am excited to get it built

Here are some pics of the dent/ding on the bottom of the top tube I was talking about. Only real trouble spot for a older frame! This can't be normal? The guy I bought it of of didn't really ride it - the original owner rode it XC. So me being a bigger guy at just over 200lbs, I am worried about riding the frame with this RC that makes contact. Love this frame and will spend a bit to get a better fitting shock.

What about the Romic's or 5th's - would they work well with this suspension design. Being a heavier guy - do you think I need some for of 'platform shock' for this design??

So what do you think - maybe up to a romic, 5th, what about a RP3 or 3.1Pearl. Never ridden those, however I did have a 5th on my DH bike - and it was quite reliable....

2step

I think I may have figured out the RC problem. What spring would you recommend. Again, 200-210 lbs. Like things stiff.
Also - read a bit about f/der concerns. What do you recommend. Tell me what works well - and I will get one. Don't necessarily need the best and greatest - but if something works well - let me know.

LOL...i'm a bit too old for concrete dorps to falt, although i do hit the skatepark here and there. the balfa is actually set up as a converted "roadie" / commuter right now until the winter is over and my other roadie comes off the trainer.

the inbred is my SS-only XC race machine, so it's setup pretty specifically and would make a horrible roadie right now....

Hi Again

Ok - What about a front fork??
I can get great deals on RS. Pike or Revelation....140mm, 130mm. Any experience on either? Pike is nice with the 20 mm axle - but I am sure nowadays that the forks are pretty strong - and anything under movie type stunts would be ok on a good reg axle fork?
Thoughts?

Ok - What about a front fork??
I can get great deals on RS. Pike or Revelation....140mm, 130mm

i'd personally use the Pike, as i feel the 2step deserves the extra travel and burlyness.
i run a z-150 on mine it has a huge a2c. if you run a shorter, lighter fork like the Rev the 2step changes into a singletrack machine (albeit a heavy one)
the bike has a 69' HA with a fox RLC 130mm, so with the Rev you'll be around the same, with the pike you'll be around 67-68 range.

you absolutely require a top clamp bottom swing front derailleur. there is little clearance in there, the new bottom clamp top swing don't fit. any old shitmano will work fine, i'm using an XT. here is what a top clamp looks like. i'm almost positive the spec'd BB spindle is 113, i'm currently using a 121 with a DRS chainguide. i've also used a 118 with success.

thread a long bolt into the shaft. smash the bolt hard with a hammer, the shaft will come out (it only goes one way, look for the lip on one side). you need a long bolt because you'll have to keep smashing all the way through.

once the shaft is out you can use a puller or just hit the bearing with a screwdriver from the other side.

edit: if that doesn't make sense, i'll try to take some pictures this weekend for you.

2Step bottom linkages

Looking at 2Step photos on google, it appears on most (from what you can tell) that the bottom linkage plate might be different that the way I pictured it attached.

It is apart right now, so can't check.

On the google pics, it seems that on the bottom linkage - the longer end is attached to the front triangle, and the shorter end is attached to the rear???

Seems weird - any info - if you look at the bottom linkage - is the short or long end attached to the f/triangle. Look at the pic attached - it shows the short end attached to the f/triangle - is this right??

This frame is unfortunately cracked now. It has lived a good life filled with plenty of kilometers of nice singletracks.

This was the original 2001 rear triangle. Note the dual vertical steel rods on the swingarm. It was the one and only year they built it that way. The front triangle is a 2003 that I got from the recall.